ExxonMobil acquires exploration acreage in three Mauritania offshore blocks

ExxonMobil has announced that its wholly owned affiliate, ExxonMobil E&P Mauritania Deepwater Ltd, has signed production sharing contracts with the government of Mauritania for three deepwater offshore blocks.

“These blocks further enhance ExxonMobil’s leading global deepwater acreage position,” said Steve Greenlee, president of ExxonMobil Exploration Company. “We thank the government of Mauritania for the opportunity to evaluate the potential of this acreage using our expertise and advanced technology.”

Blocks C22, C17 and C14 are located an average of 124 miles (200 kilometres) offshore Mauritania. Together they measure nearly 8.4 million acres in water depths ranging from 3,300 feet to 11,500 feet (1,000 metres to more than 3,500 metres).

Following government approval of the contracts, ExxonMobil will begin exploration activities, including acquisition of seismic data and analysis.

ExxonMobil will carry out the work programme as operator with 90% interest. Société Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures et de Patrimoine Minier holds a 10% interest.